Protests Erupt In Istanbul After Teenager Succumbs To Wounds From Anti-Government Protests

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police during a demonstration in Istanbul March 11, 2014. Protesters clashed with police in Turkey's two biggest cities on Tuesday following the death of a 15-year-old boy who was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister during anti-government demonstrations last summer. Photo: REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses members of parliament during a meeting in Ankara. He has repeatedly denied claims that he and his family have a stake in the Islamic State group's illegal oil trade. Photo: Reuters

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Protests erupted in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday after a 15-year-old boy succumbed to injuries inflicted during police crackdowns on anti-government protestors last June, Turkish media reported.

After being in coma for almost a year, Berkin Elvan, 15, who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister, died early Tuesday. News of his death sparked renewed protests centered in Istanbul's Gezi Park, the staging ground for the anti-government protests that took place last summer.

“Several demonstrations are being staged across Turkey to protest against the death of Berkin Elvan,” Hurriyet Daily reported. “Police resorted to tear gas and water cannon against protesters who started gathering in central Ankara[Turkey’s capital].”

Berkin Elvan's mother Gulsum (R window panel) and sister Ozge (C window panel) react as his coffin arrives at the Okmeydani cemevi, an Alevi place of worship, in Istanbul March 11, 2014. Police and protesters clashed in Turkey's two biggest cities on Tuesday following the death of the 15-year-old boy who suffered a head injury during anti-government demonstrations last summer.Photo: REUTERS/Osman Orsal

In June, ant-government protesters gathered across parts of Turkey to rally against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and for what they called his party’s infringement of democratic rights. The movement was referred to as Taksim Square or Gezi Park, from the area where protests were concentrated.

In response, Erdogan called for a harsh crackdown on protests, which left at least eight people killed and many injured. “It is not Allah who has taken my son away. It is Erdoğan,” Gülsüm Elvan, the mother of the latest victim, said.

Earlier in the day, riot police arrived at the hospital where Berkin died, and a scuffle ensued between pro-Gezi movement supporters and police.

“The police officers did not restrain themselves at all from using gas. They once again used disproportionate force,” Melda Onur, an opposition party member, said, as reported by Hurriyet. "Tear gas even entered inside the hospital." she added.

Riot police fires a water cannon to disperse anti-government protesters during a demonstration in Istanbul March 11, 2014. Protesters clashed with police in Turkey's two biggest cities on Tuesday following the death of a 15-year-old boy who was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister during anti-government demonstrations last summer.Photo: REUTERS/Osman Orsal

While many Turks are calling for nationwide protests, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul issued a statement warning Americans to avoid areas of demonstrations. “Exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” the statement said.

Anti-government protesters run as riot police fires a water cannon during a demonstration in Ankara March 11, 2014. Protesters clashed with police in Turkey's two biggest cities on Tuesday following the death of a 15-year-old boy who was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister during anti-government demonstrations last summer. Photo: REUTERS/Umit Bektas

The news follows a growing weariness among Turks over Erdogan’s controversial role in the crackdown on protesters, as well as his allege involvement in a recent corruption scandal that shook the country.